In this paper I want to analyze interdependences of George R. R. Martin’s "Game of Thrones" with focus on gender diversity and sexism as well as on the political and economic situation that has created such a world mastered by paternalism and capitalism and governed by a peculiar and institutional kind of gender imbalance, sexual subjection and hierarchical structure.
After watching the first five Seasons of HBO’s TV series "Game of Thrones" full up with the foreseeable female nudity I was remembered that this is still a big thing in our modern society as well. In fact, when George R. R. Martin is writing about his imaginings about family relationships, economic depressions and individual distress, it is tough not to think about sexuality, which is definitely connected to it. Relating to the series nudity and sexuality is universal and the show is rotating around a “fuck them all” mentality, whereas this sexual fetishism is both ubiquitously and forcing. The revenant use of bareness is arbitrary and stimulating, but when along with agony it appears often as too provoking. It shows a world full of suppression and patricide, misogyny and neutering, decruitment and bondage.
Especially, for female actors, who are exposed to male desires with diverse showings for intercourse - propagation, desecration, rape and incest. There are plenty graphic embodiments of sex and sadistic torment. Particularly, violence occurs with sexual actions, since female showrunners are repetitively slated and humiliated, for example when Sansa Stark was raped by her mentally ill husband Ramsay Bolton. This illustrates that the destiny of high-born ladies is depending on the nature of her husband, a hazardous allegation in a society where forced marriages are daily fare. Another scene where Sansa was nearly raped is displayed as a natural outcome of gorgeous females when they are not sheltered by men. The tried violation is shown as both as an ordinary event and as an acknowledgement that women can get hurt by men without consequences, since all of that is ostensibly legitimate.
Table of Contents
1. The Night is Dark and Full of Brothels
2. A Game of Sex and Lust
2.1 You know Nothing about the Real Situation
2.2 Turn Women away and They will burn You first
3. Politics are Coming
3.1 The Political Situation Sexism has caused
3.2 It is actually a Game of Coins
Research Objectives and Themes
This paper examines the intersection of gender dynamics, sexism, and power structures within George R. R. Martin’s "A Song of Ice and Fire" and its television adaptation "Game of Thrones," analyzing how the narrative mirrors real-world socio-economic and political challenges.
- The prevalence of patriarchal structures and sexual discrimination.
- The role of sexuality as a tool for gaining political and social influence.
- Economic dynamics in a world governed by wealth, debt, and conflict.
- The depiction of female agency and resistance against oppressive systems.
- Comparative analysis between fictional power plays and modern-day socio-economic issues.
Excerpt from the Book
A GAME OF SEX AND LUST
Due to its controversial dealings with sexism, the show has attracted disputes for its presentation of female nakedness and graphic sex and violence. In particular, the scene where Jaime Lannister has forced himself to his sister Cersei. However, such attention through media might come up with a possible opportunity for an alteration through talking about silenced experiences of trauma.
I would like to point out the scene again, where Jaime rapes his sister next to their son’s coffin. This scene is not only dazing due to its abnormal characteristic, but it connects rape with sexual skills which makes sexual force flirty, whereby no means yes and women would enjoy it in the end, who are just seen as sexual objects of lust. This indignation at the apprehended defiance of viewers’ prospect and what was commonly descried as a crystallization of GoT’s sexism, was only aggravated by the producers’ replies that Cersei was kissing Jaime back before he has torn her underclothes. Nevertheless, male desire is shown as overly powerful and beyond control, just excused by ‘calm down it’s not real’. This exemplifies how degrading and derogatory female characters are treated in GoT.
Summary of Chapters
The Night is Dark and Full of Brothels: This chapter introduces the Hobbesian world of Westeros, characterizing the environment as a site of institutionalized gender imbalance and systemic sexual subjection.
A Game of Sex and Lust: This section critiques the show's controversial representation of violence and sexual assault, focusing on how these acts are frequently used to demean female characters and reinforce patriarchal power.
You know Nothing about the Real Situation: This subsection explores how the fantasy narrative reflects real-world inequality and the disparity of power between different social strata and genders.
Turn Women away and They will burn You first: This subsection examines female resistance, highlighting characters who defy traditional gender roles to gain agency despite living in a restrictive society.
Politics are Coming: This chapter analyzes the broader political landscape of the series, drawing parallels between the show’s power struggles and real-world historical and modern geopolitical issues.
The Political Situation Sexism has caused: This subsection discusses how patriarchal laws define political participation for men and women, while also addressing the complexities of women navigating these roles.
It is actually a Game of Coins: This subsection explores the economic dimension of Westeros, comparing the reliance on debt, pillaging, and trade to real-world socio-economic systemic flaws.
Keywords
Game of Thrones, Sexism, Gender Roles, Patriarchy, Sexual Violence, Political Power, Socio-economics, Westeros, Feminism, Inequality, Capitalism, Trauma, Agency, Media Representation, Social Hierarchy
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this paper?
The paper examines the intersection of sexism, political power, and socio-economic dynamics within the "Game of Thrones" series and its source material, "A Song of Ice and Fire."
What are the core themes explored in the text?
The central themes include gender-based power dynamics, the prevalence of rape culture, the role of economic capital in political success, and the resistance of female characters against established patriarchal norms.
What is the main research question or objective?
The objective is to analyze how the fictional world of Westeros reflects modern societal issues, specifically concerning how sexism and power hierarchies function similarly in both fantasy and reality.
Which scientific or analytical method is employed?
The author uses a socio-economic and feminist lens to interpret narrative events, supporting these arguments with references to real-world sociological and political research.
What topics are covered in the main body of the work?
The main body covers the portrayal of sexual trauma, the link between female agency and the subversion of gender norms, and the political and economic systems that sustain the power structures in Westeros.
Which keywords best describe this research?
Key terms include sexism, gender hierarchy, political authority, socio-economics, rape culture, and feminist critique.
How does the author characterize the role of women in the show?
The author argues that while women are often depicted as objects in a patriarchal system, many female characters actively struggle against this oppression to gain influence and independence.
What connection does the author draw between the "Game of Coins" and reality?
The author draws a parallel between the reckless financial management and economic inequality in Westeros and the systemic economic issues in modern society, such as debt and the concentration of wealth.
How is the scene involving Jaime and Cersei Lannister evaluated?
The author criticizes this scene as a problematic example of how the series often conflates sexual violence with sexual desire, thereby minimizing the impact of trauma on female characters.
- Quote paper
- Thomas Streimetweger (Author), 2016, Game of Thrones. Sexism and Politics in "A Song of Ice and Fire", Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/337107
